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Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness

NOTICE: This health information was not created by the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) and may not necessarily reflect specific UMHS practices. For medical advice relating to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Complete disclaimer

Topic Contents

Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness

Topic Overview

It is not unusual to
occasionally forget where you put your keys or glasses, where you parked your
car, or the name of an acquaintance. As you age, it may take you longer to
remember things. Not all older adults have memory changes, but they can be a
normal part of aging. This type of memory problem is more often annoying than
serious.

Memory loss that begins suddenly or that significantly
interferes with your ability to function in daily life may mean a more serious
problem is present.

Dementia is a slow decline
in memory, problem-solving ability, learning ability, and judgment that may
occur over several weeks to several months. Many health conditions can cause
dementia or symptoms similar to dementia. In some cases dementia may be
reversible.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of
dementia in people older than age 65.

Delirium is a sudden change in how well a person's brain is
working (mental status). Delirium can cause confusion, change the sleep-wake
cycles, and cause unusual behavior. Delirium can have many causes, such as
withdrawal from alcohol or drugs or medicines, or the development or worsening
of an infection or other health problem.

Amnesia is memory loss that may be caused by a head injury, a
stroke, substance abuse, or a severe emotional event, such as from combat or a
motor vehicle accident. Depending upon the cause, amnesia may be either
temporary or permanent.

Confusion or decreased alertness may be the first
symptom of a serious illness, particularly in older adults. Health problems
that can cause confusion or decreased alertness include:

Many times other symptoms are present, such as a fever, chest
pain, or the inability to walk or stand. It is important to look for and tell
your doctor about other symptoms you experience when confusion or decreased
alertness occurs. This can help your doctor determine the cause of your
symptoms.

A decrease in alertness may progress to
loss of consciousness. A person who loses
consciousness is not awake and is not aware of his or her surroundings. Fainting
(syncope) is a form of brief unconsciousness. Coma is a
deep, prolonged state of unconsciousness.

Check Your Symptoms

Do you have a problem with memory loss, confusion, or changes in how alert you feel?

Yes

Confusion, memory loss, or altered alertness

No

Confusion, memory loss, or altered alertness

How old are you?

3 years or younger

3 years or younger

4 to 11 years

4 to 11 years

12 years or older

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Male

Male

Female

Female

Have you had a recent head injury?

Yes

Recent head injury

No

Recent head injury

Did you pass out completely (lose consciousness)?

Yes

Lost consciousness

No

Lost consciousness

If you are answering for someone else: Is the person unconscious now?

(If you are answering this question for yourself, say no.)

Yes

Unconscious now

No

Unconscious now

Are you back to your normal level of alertness?

After passing out, it's normal to feel a little confused, weak, or lightheaded when you first wake up or come to. But unless something else is wrong, these symptoms should pass pretty quickly and you should soon feel about as awake and alert as you normally do.

Problems with memory, judgment, or problem solving include things like:

Frequently misplacing items you use often (unless
you have always done
this).

Getting lost while walking or driving in a place you know
well.

Having more trouble with tasks you used to be able to do
without difficulty, like balancing your checkbook or preparing a meal.

Symptoms of a heart attack may
include:

Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.

Sweating.

Shortness of
breath.

Nausea or vomiting.

Pain, pressure, or a
strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both
shoulders or arms.

Lightheadedness or sudden
weakness.

A fast or irregular heartbeat.

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely it is that
you're having a heart attack. Chest pain or pressure is the most common
symptom, but some people, especially women, may not notice it as much as other
symptoms. You may not have chest pain at all but instead have shortness of breath, nausea, numbness,
tingling, or a strange feeling in your chest or other areas.

Home Treatment

As you age, it is normal to
experience some memory lapses. Usually, an occasional memory lapse does not
mean you have a serious problem. Try these steps to help
improve your memory:

Focus your attention. Often forgetfulness may
mean that you have too much on your mind. Slow down and pay full attention to
the task you are doing now.

Stick to a routine. Complete common
tasks in the same order each time you do them.

Structure your
environment to help improve your memory.

Use calendars and clocks.

Use
lists, notes, and other helpful devices as reminders.

Write your
daily activities on a calendar or daily planner, and keep it in a place where
you can see it easily.

Store easy-to-lose items in the same place
each time after you use them. For example, install a hook by the door and hang
your keys from it every time you come in.

Try memory tricks, such as the following:

To remember a person's name, repeat it
several times after being introduced.

To recall numbers, group them
and then relate them to a date or story. For example, if your personal
identification number (PIN) is 2040, remember it with the phrase "20 plus 20
equals 40." Be sure to write down all your important numbers and keep them in a safe place.

Retrace your steps if you can't remember why you went
into a room.

Reduce your stress. Being anxious can impair your
memory. For more information, see the topic
Stress Management.

Review all your
prescription and nonprescription
medicines and dosages with your doctor or pharmacist.
Many medicines, by themselves or in combination with other medicines, can cause
mental confusion. Also, confusion may occur when medicines interact in your
body. If you see several doctors, make sure that they all know what other
medicines you are taking. Have all of your prescriptions filled at the same
pharmacy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the combination of your
medicines could cause problems.

Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal treatment for memory
problems. But studies have not shown that ginkgo biloba helps improve memory or prevent dementia.1 Before you use any treatment for a memory problem, discuss the
potential risks and benefits of the treatment with your doctor.

Living with a family member who has a decline in memory, problem-solving
ability, learning ability, or judgment (dementia) is
hard. To ensure your family member's
health and safety, give him or her short instructions
when teaching a new task. Break the task down into simple steps. You may find
it helpful to give the person written instructions.

Drink plenty of water.
This helps to prevent
dehydration, which can cause confusion and memory
problems. For more information, see the topic
Dehydration.

Get plenty of rest. Being
tired can impair your memory.

Do not smoke or use other tobacco
products. Tobacco products decrease blood flow to the brain, raise blood
pressure, and increase your risk of stroke. For more information, see the topic
Quitting Smoking.

Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise can improve the blood flow to your brain. For more
information, see the topic
Fitness.

Reduce your stress. Being anxious
can impair your memory. For more information, see the topic
Stress Management.

Socialize with family
and friends. Research has shown that people who regularly get together with
family or friends are less likely to lose mental function. Socializing also
helps you stay connected with your community.

Try to learn new
things. This may help increase your attention span and ability to
focus.

Play stimulating mind games, such as Scrabble, or do a
crossword puzzle or word jumble.

Limit your alcohol intake, and do
not use illegal drugs such as cocaine, crack, or amphetamines. For more
information, see the topic
Alcohol and Drug Problems.

Decrease your
use of nonprescription medicines. Overuse of medicines may be the single
biggest cause of memory loss or confusion in older adults.

Keep
your blood pressure at or below 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Untreated high blood pressure can cause memory problems and affect
problem-solving abilities. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure,
take your medicines as directed. For more information, see the topic
High Blood Pressure.

Seek
treatment for
depression if you think that you may be depressed.
Memory loss may be a symptom of depression. For more information, see the topic
Feeling Depressed.

Prevent accidents and injuries that might lead to memory
problems.

Wear your seat belt when you are traveling in a
motor vehicle.

Do not use alcohol or other drugs before
participating in sports or when operating an automobile or other
equipment.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.